Kobbie Mainoo has already revealed perfect Man Utd midfield partner amid transfer links

Kobbie Mainoo has already revealed his perfect Manchester United midfield partner amid transfer links to various names.

Mainoo, 19, enjoyed a stellar breakthrough season at United, capping it off by scoring the decisive goal against Manchester City in the FA Cup final.

He was named Man of the Match at Wembley, a recognition he received multiple times this season, as Erik ten Hag’s squad clinched their second trophy in as many years.

Mainoo’s impressive development and newfound significance in the first-team squad at Old Trafford has prompted the club to enter negotiations with him for a new and enhanced contract.

It is also likely that the teenager will be playing alongside a new midfield partner going into next season, with Casemiro, Christian Eriksen and Sofyan Amrabat all unlikely to be at the club.

Joao Neves has been linked with a move to the Reds in recent days, with reports claiming that Benfica have rejected an opening bid from United for the teenage sensation.

There have also been reports linking the likes of Morten Hjulmand and Amadou Onana, yet, Mainoo has already explained what type of midfielder he wants to play alongside in the middle.

Speaking earlier last season, when asked about his perfect midfield partner, Mainoo answered: “I’d say, Scholes, although there might not be a lot of defending happening between the two of us… but yeah, Scholes definitely.”

Asked about what specifically he liked about Scholes’ game, he added: “Everything. His passing, his movement, the way he could make a finish, his intelligence, so yeah, great player.”

Mainoo, of course, realises that whoever partners him next will need a level of defensive solidity. But it is also clear that such talented players with the ball at their feet want other players who excel in that aspect.